Medical Support

Beyond Borders Humanitarian Foundation Inc (BBHF) is providing critical medical support to Sudan by supplying a substantial quantity of medical consumables and equipment sourced from medical manufacturers in Australia, the USA, Malaysia, and China. BBHF is actively assisting the Government of Sudan on-site to ensure these supplies are distributed effectively to hospitals nationwide.

In response to the ongoing cholera outbreak—which has resulted in over 94,000 cases and more than 2,370 deaths across Sudan as of August 2025 —BBHF is preparing Rapid Diagnostic Tests (IVDs) specifically designed for field use. These IVDs are tailored for the diagnosis of Malaria, Dengue, and Cholera, addressing the urgent need for on-field diagnostics, particularly for cholera. These diagnostic tools will enable healthcare workers to quickly identify and treat cases, helping to control the outbreak and save lives.

This initiative is part of BBHF's long-term commitment to establish a permanent supply chain for medical consumables and equipment, aiming to address the critical needs of Sudan's population amidst the ongoing crisis.

Overview

As of August 2025, Sudan faces one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, driven by a prolonged civil war, a deadly cholera outbreak, widespread food insecurity, and a critical shortage of clean drinking water. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began on 15 April 2023, has led to massive displacement, loss of life, and the destruction of essential infrastructure. Compounding these challenges, a cholera outbreak, severe food shortages, and limited access to potable water have created a dire situation for millions of Sudanese. Recent flooding and ongoing violence further complicate relief efforts. BBHF's medical support plays a pivotal role by ensuring hospitals receive essential supplies to treat affected populations.

The Civil War in Sudan

The civil war, pitting the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has caused catastrophic consequences. As of August 2025, at least 150,000 people have been killed, and approximately 12 million have been displaced, including 8.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and over 3.3 million refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. Over 750,000 South Sudanese refugees have returned to South Sudan, adding pressure to already strained resources (UN News). The conflict has escalated in Kordofan and Darfur, with heavy fighting causing new displacements from camps like Zamzam and Abu Souk. The presence of landmines, including anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines in Mogran, Khartoum, poses a significant threat to civilians (ReliefWeb). Human rights abuses, including widespread sexual violence, ethnic cleansing in Darfur, and the recruitment of child soldiers, continue to be reported, with the RSF and allied militias primarily attributed with targeted massacres (Human Rights Watch). BBHF's medical consumables and equipment are critical for treating conflict-related injuries, supporting overwhelmed hospitals, and ensuring a steady supply to address ongoing casualties.

The African Union Peace and Security Council held its first meeting on the Sudan situation on 4 August 2025, indicating ongoing international concern (Amani Africa). Foreign actors—including arms shipments from China, Russia, and Turkey, and regional support from the UAE and Chad for the RSF, and Egypt for the SAF—have further fuelled the conflict, complicating peace efforts.

Cholera Outbreak

A large-scale cholera outbreak, declared in August 2024, has worsened significantly. As of August 2025, more than 94,000 cholera cases and over 2,370 deaths have been reported across 17 states in Sudan. North Darfur has been severely affected, with over 1,180 cases (including 300 in children) and at least 20 deaths reported as of 3 August 2025(UN News). By May 2025, Sudan's Ministry of Health reported over 60,000 suspected cases and more than 1,600 deaths across 12 states, with a case fatality rate of 2.6%, exceeding the WHO standard of less than 1%. The hardest-hit states include Aj Jazirah (11,179 cases), Al Qadarif (9,745), Kassala (7,364), White Nile (6,646), and River Nile (5,824). Over 70% of cases are among infants and adults up to age 50, with the highest mortality rates in those aged 70+ (14.56%), 60–69 (12.09%), and 20–29 (12.09%) (ReliefWeb).

The outbreak is driven by contaminated water sources and inadequate sanitation, particularly in overcrowded displacement camps, exacerbated by the destruction of water infrastructure and recent flooding. The rainy season, ongoing in 2025, likely increases water contamination risks (ACAPS). Efforts to control the outbreak are hampered by financial constraints, concurrent disease outbreaks (e.g., dengue fever), and public misconceptions about water chlorination. The cholera response plan requires $50 million but is only 16% funded as of July 2025 (OCHA). BBHF's provision of medical consumables and equipment, and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (IVDs) for malaria, dengue, and cholera, are vital for treating patients and enabling rapid diagnosis in field settings. Ongoing supply chain efforts ensure hospitals remain equipped to manage this public health crisis.

Food Insecurity

Food insecurity affects approximately 24.6 million people—half of Sudan's population—with over 637,000 in famine conditions (IPC Phase 5), particularly in displacement camps and conflict-affected areas. Famine has been confirmed in at least five areas, including North Darfur's Zamzam camp, and is projected to spread to five additional areas between December 2024 and May 2025(World Food Programme). Seventeen other areas, including parts of North and South Darfur, Khartoum, and Al Jazirah states, are at risk of famine due to significant influxes of IDPs. The war has disrupted agricultural activities and food supply chains, while violence has blocked food delivery routes. Economic instability and infrastructure collapse further exacerbate the crisis. The 2025 rainy season is expected to worsen malnutrition drivers, particularly in Darfur, where access to food and healthcare is limited (UNICEF). Over one in three children face acute malnutrition, above the 20% threshold for famine confirmation, making Sudan the world's largest child displacement crisis.

Lack of Drinking Water

Access to clean drinking water is critically limited, with 17.3 million people lacking basic-level drinking water (Think Global Health). The war has damaged key water infrastructure, including Nile River water treatment plants and urban supply stations, forcing many residents to rely on unregulated shallow wells—often located near pit latrines—thereby increasing the risk of waterborne diseases (Africa news). In Gadarif, only 140 of 273 water sources were licensed and monitored in 2023 (WHO EMRO). Recent flooding, such as in Ed Damazine, Blue Nile, on 1 August 2025, has displaced households and further contaminated water sources, heightening the risk of disease spread (ReliefWeb). The lack of clean water is a primary driver of the cholera outbreak. BBHF's medical consumables, including the upcoming IVDs for cholera, are critical for addressing waterborne diseases, with ongoing supply chain efforts aiming to support long-term improvements in water access and sanitation.

Key Drivers & International Response

• Health System Collapse: Over 80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are non-functional, and only 45% of facilities in other regions are operational, leading to the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue, and measles (Center for Disaster Philanthropy). BBHF's ongoing supply of medical consumables and equipment—including upcoming IVDs—is essential for supporting the remaining functional facilities and aiding recovery.
• Natural Disasters: The 2025 rainy season has caused flooding (e.g., Blue Nile), displacing households and worsening water and sanitation conditions (ReliefWeb).
• International Response & Funding: Humanitarian efforts by organisations such as the IRC, UNHCR, and WHO are ongoing but face significant challenges due to funding shortages and restricted access. The 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan , seeking $4.2 billion to assist 21 million people, is only 23% funded (UN News). BBHF's contributions complement these efforts by ensuring a steady supply of medical resources.

Summary (Key Statistics)

The following table summarises key statistics related to the Sudan crisis as of August 2025:

Our Commitment to Sudan

Sudan's humanitarian crisis, as of August 2025, remains catastrophic—driven by an ongoing civil war, a deadly cholera outbreak, widespread food insecurity, and critical shortages of clean water. The efforts of Beyond Borders Humanitarian Foundation Inc (BBHF) are pivotal in addressing these challenges by providing essential medical consumables and equipment—sourced from Australian Government Agencies, Avantua Pharmaceuticals, Nationwide Asset Management Consolidated, McLarens Australasia, and medical diagnostic manufacturers from Australia, the USA, Malaysia, and China—and assisting in their distribution to hospitals across Sudan.

The upcoming shipment of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (IVDs) for malaria, dengue, and cholera is particularly critical given the ongoing cholera outbreak, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment in field settings. BBHF's commitment to establishing a permanent supply chain ensures sustained support, helping to rebuild Sudan's collapsed healthcare system and address the immediate and long-term needs of millions affected by conflict, disease, and malnutrition.

However, the scale of the crisis demands broader international support, including increased funding, diplomatic efforts to secure ceasefires, and improved access for humanitarian aid. The combination of conflict, disease, and resource scarcity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations—particularly women and children—underscoring the urgent need for collective action to prevent further deterioration and support recovery.